Man Held on $75,000 Bond

A Cumberland man is being held on a total $75,000 bond, following an incident on Furnace Street early Sunday morning. Police received a report of gunshots in the area of Furnace and Valley Streets. Gerald Allen Moore was questioned and police found ammunition on him. Moore was also wanted in connection with a domestic violence incident in May, where he allegedly threatened a woman with a handgun and assaulted her during a fight. He was taken to the Allegany County Detention Center. Three others were also arrested for disorderly conduct and failure to obey a lawful order. They included Desirae Nicole Washington, Latoya Nicole Taylor and Anthony Eugene Palmisano.

Motorcyclist Hurt in Crash

Forty-six year old John Axon, of Milligan's Cove Road in Manns Choice, Pennsylvania, was injured in a motorcycle accident this past weekend. Axon received head and other injuries in the crash. He ran off the side of the road, the back on to it. He was taken to UPMC/Bedford for treatment and was cited in the accident.

Copper Wire Stolen from Somerset Site

About $10,000 worth of copper wire was stolen from two disassembled wind turbines in Somerset County recently. The 150 feet of wire was cut from the turbines, which are owned by AES Wind Generation of Dallas, Texas. The thefts occurred between May 29th and June 11th in the parking lot where the turbines were being stored. Anyone with information is asked to contact police.

Mineral County Trial for Cumberland Man Continued

The trial of Cumberland resident Leo Rodenhauser has been continued in Mineral County Circuit Court. His attorney asked for a delay, so that he could go over information received from prosecuting attorney Jay Courrier with his client. Rodenhauser is accused of being involved in an October motorcycle chase in Keyser that injured two police officers. He was indicted by a Mineral County grand jury in January.

Police Search for Vandal

The Pennsylvania State Police are looking for the person who threw a large rock through an original stained-glass window at a 19th century church in Somerset County. They believe the window was broken on Saturday at the 168-year old Christ Casebeer Evangelical Lutheran Church in Lincoln Township. The glass itself is insured for more than a million dollars, but there are doubts as to whether it can be replaced or restored to its original condition.

Board Seeks Ethics Panel Membership

The Allegany County Board of Education is seeking applicants for membership on its Ethics Panel. The panel is a five-member body, whose primary responsibility is to provide advisory opinions, to conduct hearings on ethics complaints, and to make recommendations to the Board of Education on matters relating to conflict of interest, financial disclosure, and lobbying disclosure. Members are appointed by the Board for a five-year term. Applications are available at the Board Office on Washington Street, or online at "www.boe.allconet.org" under the Community tab and Ethics information.

Commissioners To Meet in Flintstone

The Allegany County Commissioners will hold their weekly meeting this week on Thursday in Flintstone. The meeting will take place at the Flintstone Volunteer Fire Company, beginning at 5 p.m. Community members and all interested individuals are invited to attend.

"Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year" Announced

Deputy State Fire Marshal William Potts, assigned to the Office of the State Fire Marshal Bomb Squad, has been named the recipient of the "2012 Deputy State Fire Marshal of the Year" award. State Fire Marshal William Barnard made the presentation during a ceremony at the Firemen's Association annual convention in Ocean City yesterday. Deputy Potts began his career with the Office of the State Fire Marshal as a Bomb Squad Technician in October of 2007, after a distinguished career as a bomb technician with the Metro Transit Police in Washington, D.C.

Bongino To Announce Congressional Bid

Former U.S. Secret Service Agent Dan Bongino is expected to announce his plans to run for the Republican nomination for Maryland's 6th District Congressional race today. He ran for U.S. Senate last year, but was defeated by incumbent Ben Cardin. The 6th Congressional District had been held by Republican Roscoe Bartlett for 20 years. The Democrat-controlled General Assembly made significant changes during the redistricting process in 2011, and Democratic Representative John Delaney defeated Bartlett last year.

Health Department Investigates Possible Rabies Exposure

The Allegany County Health Department is working closely with the Board of Education to identify and notify individuals who may have been exposed to a rabid kitten which was taken to Allegany High School on May 20th of this year. The kitten was in the school from 8 a.m. to 10:45 a.m., during an AP Government class. The kitten was confirmed to be rabid on Tuesday of this week, following a period of sickness. Anyone who may have come into direct physical contact with the animal is asked to contact the Allegany County Health Department at (301)-759-5125.

Paw Paw Man Arrested for Theft

Thirty-two year old Paw Paw resident David James Small was arrested Wednesday for the theft of copper pipe and metal conduit from the parking garage at the former Memorial Hospital in Cumberland. Officers noticed the items in a suspicious vehicle inside the garage, and found Small in a stairwell of the garage. A hypodermic syringe was located under the driver's seat of the car. He was charged with theft, destruction of property and CDS possession of drug paraphernalia. Small was held on $4,000 bond at the Allegany County Detention Center.

Cardin Introduces  CAPP Act

Maryland United States Senator Ben Cardin has introduced legislation that would create jobs across the nation by encouraging the restoration of historic buildings into useful economic properties. The "Creating American Prosperity Through Preservation Act" would create Historic Tax Credits, and would help revitalize communities, encourage private investment, and create safer, more secure neighborhoods. One of the projects included in the bill is the Klotz Throwing Company Mill in Lonaconing, better  known as just the "silk mill." The building is being redeveloped as affordable housing with the help of $1.5 million in historic trust funding. The total cost of the project is $7.5 million.

Garrett County Aquatics Team Earns Medals, Ribbons at Special Olympics

The Maryland Special Olympics took place last weekend in Towson, and the Garrett County Aquatics Team competed against athletes from every county in the state. All three swimmers placed first or second in at least two of their events. Robert Broadwater, a first-time swimmer received a gold medal in two of his three events; Zachary Harpole received a gold medal in each of his two freestyle events, and Robin Fife, a veteran swimmer, received two gold and a silver in her back stroke events.

Checks in Mortgage Settlement To Be Mailed

Checks, totaling more than $15 million, are being sent this week to more than 10,000 Maryland mortgage borrowers. The individual checks, totaling about $1480 each are being sent to borrowers who submitted a valid claim through the National Mortgage Settlement. The settlement was the result of accusations that the five largest mortgage servicers in the country engage in abusive servicing and foreclosure practices, including robo-signing-creating foreclosure documents in an assembly-line fashion, without verifying their accuracy.

Bridge Work To Begin Monday in Bedford County

The second of three bridge projects will begin Monday in Everett, Pennsylvania. Cottle's Asphalt of Everett will be repairing the abutments and pier, replacing bridge bearings, as well as deteriorated members of the steel truss. The project will run through October 31st. The bridge is known as the Route 1029 bridge, over the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River in Everett. There will be detours in place, and motorists are asked to be alert and use caution in the area.

Gansler Asks for Freeze on Health Insurance Rates

Attorney General Doug Gansler is urging Maryland insurance regulators to cap any health insurance rate increases above five per cent. The attorney general is also asking for public reviews of any such requests after six months. Rate increases, according to Gansler, should be based on actual data after federal health care reform is implemented, and not on projections that serve the needs of insurance company executives.


Helicopter Makes "Hard Landing" in Morgantown

There were no injuries, but there will be an investigation into why a helicopter made a "hard landing" in Morgantown Wednesday afternoon. The chopper touched down near Lower Hildebrand Road after  noon. Subcontracting work was being done for First Energy, and it was en route from Morgantown to Fairmont. Two people were on board. The Federal Aviation Administration will investigate the incident.

School Lunches to Go Up

The Allegany County Board of Education adopted its FY 2014 budget last night, which includes an increase of ten cents for school lunches. Elementary lunches will now be $2.30, while the cost for middle and high school students will be $2.50. On the school security issue, the board requested $480,000 to administer a school security plan; the county, so far, has not approved that funding.

Fireworks to be Set at Bishop Walsh

Although details have yet to be finalized, Mayor Brian Grim announced the annual Fourth of July fireworks display will be set off at Bishop Walsh School this year. It was announced at a teacher's meeting that the Archdiocese of Baltimore had given its permission to conduct the display from the school's softball field.

Man Arrested for Carrying Firearm

An Accident man was arrested Monday evening at a bar in Friendsville, and charged with openly carrying and wearing a firearm, and possession of a regulated firearm by a prohibited person. Forty-eight year old Raymond Piper, Jr., was allegedly seated at the Sugar Shack bar, wearing a pistol. He was taken to the McHenry barrack, and following a bond review, was released on personal recognizance.

"Operation Takedown VII" Conducted by Police Department

An Arrest Warrant Initiative was conducted by the Cumberland City Police Department's Safe Streets program. A total of 25 individual arrests were made on 29 arrest warrants. Charges ranged from theft, to motor vehicle counts, to assault and drug counts. Cumberland City Police Chief Charles Hinnant credited the partnership between citizens and officers in the apprehension of the individuals that have eluded authorities.

Garrett County Burglary Reported

The McHenry Barrack of the Maryland State Police is investigating a burglary that occurred this past weekend. A call was received around noon on Saturday that a burglary took place in the 1100-block of Blue Goose Road in Friendsville. An unknown person or persons entered the home and outbuilding and removed all the copper wiring. If anyone has any information, they are asked to contact the McHenry Barrack of the Maryland State Police at (301)-387-1101.

Police Called to Memorial Avenue

Cumberland City Police were called to the 100-block of Memorial Avenue Monday afternoon, for the report of a domestic disturbance. A woman had indicated her 16-year old daughter was out of control. The girl had been creating a disturbance by cursing loudly and striking objects. She was taken into custody and charged with disorderly conduct. She was eventually released back into her mother's custody after processing.

Partial Payment Made on Athletic Complex

The loss of  state grants is being blamed. in part,  for Keyser High School's inability to once again make its annual payment on the athletic complex. The school presented the Mineral County Board of Education with $72,000 last week-about $207,000 short of the annual payment. The school was able to make the first payment on the facility in 2009, but since then, has been unable to meet the annual goal. The school lost almost $20,000 in state grants this year.

Attorney Files for Motion to Dismiss

The attorney for Ridgeley Mayor James Twigg has filed a motion to dismiss eight charges of fraudulent or unauthorized use of a purchasing card. The charges were filed in May, and the motion to dismiss is based on three points, including the fact that the indictments did not give specific dates on which the alleged misuse occurred and it was not specified, in the indictment, what goods or services were purchased with the card. The next hearing in the case is set for July 16th at 10:15 a.m. in Mineral County Circuit Court.

Fugitive Arrested in Keyser's North End

A man wanted by authorities in both Mineral and Randolph Counties, was apprehended late last week in the north end of Keyser. Twenty-five year old Donald Rutter was taken into custody, and is being held at the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail on $4650 bail. Additional charges from both counties are pending. Also arrested was 18-year old Lacie Largent, who was charged with weapons violations for carrying a gun that police believe Rutter had been carrying.

Man Arrested For Breaking and Entering, Trespassing

Twenty-eight year old Cumberland resident Christopher Nelson Frazier was arrested late Friday night, and charged with breaking into a residence in the 600-block of Elm Street. He gained entry to the home by kicking in the side door. He was charged and is being held on $3500 bond at the Allegany County Detention Center.

Liquor Stolen in Saturday Morning Break In

An unknown person broke in to Parkview Liquors at 80 Greene Street early Saturday morning. Once inside, the person grabbed several bottles of liquor, then fled the scene. Cumberland City Police are asking for help in solving the crime. If anyone has information, they are asked to call (301)-777-1600 or the Allegany County CrimeSolvers group at (301)-722-4300.

Statue Stolen from New Germany

A large, chainsaw-carved bear was stolen from New Germany State Park, sometime between Wednesday night/Thursday morning. Staff discovered the statue stolen when they arrived for work on Thursday. The carving was donated to the park in 2010 by a local artist, John "Sacco" Carter. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Maryland Natural Resources Police at 1-410-260-8888.

Friedens Correctional Officer Charged

Forty-four year old Friedens resident, Ronald Edward Lensbouer, has been charged with sexually assaulting two female co-workers. Lensbouer, a correctional officer at the Somerset County Jail, is accused of making inappropriate comments to two female subordinates. He is also accused of inappropriately touching them, beginning in December. A preliminary hearing will be scheduled in Somerset; Warden Gregory Briggs declined comment on the case, referring questions to the county solicitor.

Woman Sentenced in Drugs, Theft Cases

Twenty-one year old Friedens resident, Sharell Lynn Brown, has been sentenced to 9 to 23 months in jail, followed by three years of supervised probation in six theft and drug related cases. She also must perform 100 hours of community service, and was given credit for 134 days of time served. Ms. Brown was also sentenced on a series of other charges. The series of incidents which led to the charges, began in August of last year.

Wall Collapses at Palace Theatre

An exterior wall of the Palace Theatre in Frostburg collapsed in two stages yesterday; there were no injuries. The first collapse came around 8 a.m., and a second, larger one at 3:10 p.m., spilled bricks and debris into an alley beside the building. The second collapse left a large 15 by 18 foot opening in the building and caused the electric box and wiring to be pulled away from it. The city of Frostburg has since declared the theatre unfit for either entry or occupancy.

Former Treasurer Makes Apology

The former treasurer of the Chestnut Ridge Parent-Teacher Organization, Leann Gottshall, made a tearful apology to that organization this week, for stealing more than $11,000 from the group's account. The apology from Ms. Gottshall came as part of a plea deal with the Bedford County District Attorney's Office. She was charged after forging and cashing 33 checks from the PTO bank account. The guilty plea and apology will be factored in, when it comes time for sentencing. While the current president of the PTO doesn't want her to be sentenced to jail time, it is hoped restitution will be made to the group.

Suspect Wanted in Possible Theft

The Maryland State Police are looking for a man who is suspected of theft when he was seen by a trooper in the neighborhood early yesterday morning. He was seen in the area of Bourbon and Viewcrest Streets, carrying some items. The State Police, Sheriff's Department and the Trooper Five and K-9 units responded to the scene. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Maryland State Police or CrimeSolvers.

Man Jumps From Window to Avoid Police

A Frostburg resident, who was being served an arrest warrant on a number of charges, jumped from a second story window at 94 West Mechanic Street. Henry Jerome Griffin was subdued by police, using a taser. Griffen was wanted for assault and trespassing charges, and a paternity charge, as well. He was later taken to the hospital for treatment of injuries. A Frostburg Police officer was slightly injured in the arrest. Additional charges against Griffin are pending.

Wanted Man Arrested by Keyser Police

Keyser City Police apprehended a man who had been wanted in connection with an April 10th incident. Twenty-seven year old Jason Ravenscroft was arrested while walking along Armstrong Street. Police had attempted to stop him in the same area in April for driving a vehicle without a license plate. He eluded police, and on Old Waxler road, he fled the scene, reportedly jumping into the Potomac River. During the arrest he was also found to have a small amount of marijuana. He is being held on $6800 bond at the Potomac Highlands Regional Jail.

Cumberland Man Arrested for Disorderly Conduct

Thirty-one year old Cumberland resident Paul Harman was arrested Tuesday morning in the area of Seymour and First Streets in Cumberland. There had been reports of an intoxicated person in the area, causing a disturbance. After being checked by Cumberland Fire Department Ambulance personnel, Harman got up, grabbed a bottle of alcohol and began to walk away. He began yelling profanities and threatened to assault residents in the area. He was remanded to the Allegany County Detention Center on $3,000 bond.

"Operation Takedown VII" Underway

The Cumberland Safe Streets Program is conducting its June Warrant Initiative through Friday. The Cumberland Police Department's Safe Streets Program is requesting citizens to assist in the apprehension of approximately 16 individuals on open arrest warrants, ranging from failure to appear, to violation of probation, burglary and assault charges and drug counts. The initiative began yesterday, and citizens are asked to contact the Cumberland City Police Department, the Sheriff's Office, the Maryland State Police or the Allegany/Mineral County CrimeSolvers line at (301)-722-4300.

Suspect Arrested in Tri-Town Pharmacy Burglary

A 27-year old Westernport man has been arrested for allegedly breaking into the Tri-Town Pharmacy, and stealing a large amount of hydrocodone. Zachary Russell Jones was identified from security camera footage, and he was arrested a short time later at his Donna Street residence. Stolen property was also recovered. He is being held on a $150,000 bond. He also confessed to a prior burglary at the pharmacy on May 17th. Additional charges are pending.

Roads Workers To Receive Raise

A new contract with county roads workers would give them a three per cent cost of living increase over each of the next three years. The Allegany County Commissioners will consider the raise at Thursday's meeting. County employees have not seen a raise for four years, but a three percent across the board increase was written into the FY 2014 budget, which begins July 1st.

Woman Arrested Following Assault

A 37-year old Cumberland woman was arrested late Sunday morning, after allegedly assaulting her boyfriend. Katherine Marie Bryant and her boyfriend had been arguing over money , when she allegedly grabbed him and struck him in the head several times. The victim received minor injuries and did not require medical attention. She was located in an alley near the residence in the 500-block of Maryland Avenue. She was charged with second-degree assault and held on $2500 bond.

Masontown Man Drowns in Cheat River

A 29-year old Masontown man drowned in the Cheat River this past weekend. Jimmy Taylor had been swimming with his brother on Saturday, when swift waters carried him away. His brother, Robert, tried twice to get him out of the water, but couldn't. He left to get help, but was involved in a car accident on the way. Robert Taylor said the two had been drinking. Jimmy Taylor's body was recovered about a half-mile down the river, in an area known as "party rock." The investigation is still ongoing.

Gansler Won't Run for Re-Election

Attorney General Douglas Gansler says he won't run for another term, but aides have assured members of the media he is running for Governor. His campaign is planning a formal announcement in the fall. Lieutenant Governor Anthony  Brown announced his candidacy last month, and has also chosen Howard County Executive Ken Ulman as his running mate.

Electric Customers Share Energy Opinions

AARP West Virginia wants Mon Power and Potomac Edison electric customers to give their opinion on the purchase of a power plant by First Energy. If First Energy is allowed to purchase 80 per cent of the Harrison Power Station, electric bills will go up. AARP says the proposal could have a $63 million impact in the first year alone. In the Eastern Panhandle, there is concern over what that could mean for a senior on a fixed income. Hearings were held last week in Charleston.

West Virginia Lottery Revenue Down in  April

West Virginia lottery revenues fell in April, but not as severely as was expected by the Lottery Commission. Lottery revenues totaled about $109 million, down nearly 12 per cent from the same month last year. Revenues for the fiscal year have totaled about $1.1 billion, compared to $1.2 billion in the previous fiscal year. The fiscal year ends June 30th.

Local Physician Arrested

Fifty-eight year old Robert Damean Cendo has been arrested on a variety of charges, including two counts of solicitation for prostitution and one of perverted practice. Cendo, a local physician, is accused of writing prescription for narcotic painkillers to a confidential informant, in exchange for sexual favors. Police also executed two search warrants, one at his residence and one at his office. A small amount of cocaine and marijuana was found, along with several prescription bottles of narcotic medication prescribed to several different individuals. Computers and documents were also seized. He is currently free on $10,000 bond pending his next court appearance, and additional charges are pending.

Body Found in Potomac River

A group of people, fishing on the North Branch of the Potomac River near Mexico Farms Road, spotted a body in the water last night around 6 p.m. A local water team retrieved the body. Officials have not yet identified the body, but say the death is being considered "suspicious" at this time.

Man Sentenced in Sex Offense Case

A 51-year old man has been sentenced to 8 years in prison, in connection with an incident that occurred in Allegany County. Clarence "Butch" Richard Taylor will be placed on five years supervised probation following his release. He will also be required to register as a sex offender for life. There are other conditions, and he is to have no contact with the victim or her immediate family. The victim was nine years old at the time of the offenses. Taylor was sentenced by visiting Judge Beachley in Allegany County Circuit Court.

Woman Arrested in Assault Incident

A twenty-four year old Cumberland woman was taken into custody and charged with two counts of second-degree assault and one of disorderly conduct, following an incident earlier in the month at a Central Avenue residence. Samantha Elizabeth Ann Swick is accused of assaulting two residents at their home on May 21st. She was charged and released pending trial in Allegany County District Court.

Traffic Stop Leads to Drug, DUI Arrests

Three people were arrested in the area of Arch Street Wednesday. The stop was initially conducted for an equipment violation, but further investigation revealed that the driver, 49-year old Ronald Scott Welsh was under the influence of alcohol. Two others-49-year old Patrick Edward Mullan and 43-year old Antonio LaPorte III-were found to be in possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana. Welch was also charged with possession of less than 10 grams of marijuana and possession of CDS paraphernalia.

Inmate Charged in Somerset Prison Incident

A 49-year old inmate has been charged in connection with a Memorial Day weekend incident that prompted the lockdown of the State Correctional Institution at Somerset. Mark Wilson is accused of punching a correctional officer in the face; numerous prison staff responded and used force to bring him under control. The officer, Sgt. Shawn Berchick, sustained a severe cut above the left eye and lost consciousness as a result of the assault. He is continuing treatment for his injuries. Wilson is serving a two to seven year sentence for robbery, and was transferred to Somerset in May of 2011.

Casino Job Fair Set for Tomorrow

Rocky Gap Casino Resort's Human Resources Department is holding a job fair tomorrow at Allegany College of Maryland. The event is set from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. in Rooms 12, 13, and 14 of the Continuing Education Building. Casino representatives are looking for approximately 50 people to fill such positions such as cooks, servers, housekeepers, valet attendants and cashiers. On the spot interviews will be conducted tomorrow during the fair.

Two Sought, One Arrested in Hagerstown Break-In

Hagerstown Police are searching for a suspect, and have one in custody, following the burglary of a home on Hamilton Boulevard late Wednesday night. Two black males forced their way into the residence, where a struggle ensued. A handgun was displayed, but the homeowner was able to chase the subjects from the area. Twenty-five year old Rodney Murchison was taken into custody; an air search was done for a second suspect, but that person was not found. Murchison also had several outstanding warrants in Frederick County.

New Transportation Secretary Named

Former Baltimore County Executive James R. Smith has been named by Governor O'Malley as the new Secretary of the Department of Transportation. He served as Baltimore County Executive from 2002 through 2010. If confirmed by the State Senate, Smith will be charged with spending over $4 billion in transportation money the state is expected to generate over the next six years, due to increases in the state's gasoline taxes.

Local Physician Arrested

Fifty-eight year old Robert Damean Cendo has been arrested on a variety of charges, including two counts of solicitation for prostitution and one of perverted practice. Cendo, a local physician, is accused of writing prescription for narcotic painkillers to a confidential informant, in exchange for sexual favors. Police also executed two search warrants, one at his residence and one at his office. A small amount of cocaine and marijuana was found, along with several prescription bottles of narcotic medication prescribed to several different individuals. Computers and documents were also seized. He is currently free on $10,000 bond pending his next court appearance, and additional charges are pending.

Woman Sentenced in Mountain Ridge Case

A woman, who had pleaded guilty to embezzling over $14,000 from the Mountain Ridge Band Parents Association, was sentenced yesterday. Carol Myers was handed a five year suspended sentence and was placed on five years of supervised probation. She was also ordered to make restitution, in the amount of $14,403.45 to the association, and was ordered to have no contact with the association or Mountain Ridge High School. The case arose from an incident involving sales from concessions used to support the Mountain Ridge Band.

Resident Reports Identity Theft

Investigators from the C3I unit are looking for two people who fraudulently used another person's debit card to make several purchases in the area. The victim told police the card was used in West Virginia at the Mountaineer Mart, Family Dolar Store in Fort Ashby and Daddy Lou's Pub in Short Gap, as well as Sheetz in Cresaptown and Walmart in LaVale. Investigators are looking for two suspects, and are asking for information in the case. Contact the C3I unit at (301)-777-0326.

Two Mineral Cases Continued

Two cases in Mineral County have been continued at the request of defense attorneys. In the first case, John and Tonya Cozatt, a follow-up hearing has not been scheduled. The pair were indicted in January on felony charges of selling synthetic marijuana in their Earth Zone stores. In the second, Leo Rodenhouser of Cumberland, was charged with three felonies in connection with a high-speed chase in October of 2011. A status hearing for Rodenhouser has been set for Monday, June 17th  at 1 p.m.

Frostburg Bridge Program To Close

The Frostburg Bridge program is closing after 23 years. The program, which is sponsored by the Frostburg United Methodist Church, will close on June 30th, due to recent fiscal instability. The program is designed for about 20 to 40 children of all nationalities and religions from the county, as well as some from Garrett County. The Bridge Program began as an after-school program for the community.

Mineral Students To Return in Mid-August

Students in Mineral County will be returning to class on August 15th of this year, but will be finished the school year before the end of next May. The calendar for next school year must be given final approval by the West Virginia State Board of Education. The calendar will require students to be in school for 180 days, no matter how many they miss for bad weather.

Officers Respond to Dilley Street Disturbance

Cumberland City Police arrested a Dilley Street resident late Tuesday evening as the result of a domestic disturbance. The victim said her husband, Joseph Brian Shaffer, had been arguing and fighting all night, and added that he had thrown multiple items at her to include drinks and a phone. A cut was seen on her forehead, but it did not require medical attention. He was charged with second-degree assault and held in the Allegany County Detention Center on $3,000 bond.

Valley Street Incident Investigated

A man, with no fixed address, was charged following a daytime incident on Tuesday. Twenty-nine year old Westley Alan Myers was allegedly intoxicated and refused to leave a Valley Street residence. He created a disturbance when asked to leave, and had elbowed a police officer in the face. Myers was taken to the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center for injuries received during the arrest. He was later charged and held at the Allegany County Detention Center on $10,000 bond.

Xerox Adding 400 New Jobs in Frostburg

The Xerox facility in Frostburg is hiring 400 regular full-time and project-based customer care specialists, and is looking for people with prior customer experience, typing skills of 20 words-per-minute or greater and the ability to navigate in a Windows-based computer environment. Applicants should also have at least a high school diploma, or GED, and must pass a background and drug screening. Interested applicants may apply either by phone or in person.

Insurance Administration Sets Garrett County Stop

The Maryland Insurance Administration has scheduled a visit in Garrett County next week. Staff will be available next Tuesday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. to answer consumer questions at the Garrett County One-Stop Job Center on South Third Street, on the second floor. A schedule of agency outreach activities and consumer materials are available on the website, www.mdinsurance.state.md.us. For more information, call (410)-468-2360.

Former HCC Student Charged in Connection with Fatal Shooting

A former Hagerstown Community College student and basketball player is one of two men, charged in connection with the fatal shooting of a one-year old boy in Baltimore. Twenty-year old Eddie Tarver had been a student at HCC from the fall of 2011 to the Spring of 2012. Also charged in the shooting death of one-year old Carter Scott was Cornell Harvey of Baltimore.

School Vandalized; Items Stolen

The Allegany County Sheriff's Office is investigating a breaking and entering and theft that occurred at George's Creek Elementary School. A suspect gained entry to the school and removed two laptop computers and several medicinal EpiPens; school officials are taking an inventory of the school, to see if any other items may have been taken. Video surveillance showed the suspect entered the school at 9:25 p.m. Monday evening and remained there for an extended period of time. The investigation is continuing by the C3I unit.

Fireworks Won't Be Set Off From Park

A new state fire regulation will prohibit this year's 4th of July fireworks display from being launched at Constitution Park. The regulation limits the use of fireworks within a certain radius of occupied buildings; in this case, the building in question is the county's 911 emergency communications center on Hudson Avenue, adjacent to the baseball field. The city is looking to find another location for the annual display.

Commissioners Submit ARC Projects to Tri-County Council

The Allegany County Commissioners have approved the submission of a number of prioritized projects for Appalachian Regional Commission funding. The projects will be submitted to the Tri-County Council of Western Maryland. Road projects will require no county match, but development projects will need a 50 per cent county match. Among the projects are a pilot program through Frostburg State University, a water line replacement at the Allegany County Fairgrounds and work on an access road to the Frostburg Business Park.

Emergency Dispatchers See Pay Raise

Allegany County emergency dispatchers will see an increase of three per cent for each year of a new, three-year contract, signed by the employees and the county late last week. The county had planned a 3 per cent cost of living adjustment in 2013, which would cost just over $442,000. The agreement also includes a no-strike clause. The dispatchers are represented by the American Federation of State, County, and Municipal Employees.

CDS Arrest Near Friendsville Road

Homestead, Florida resident Benjamin Seals was arrested yesterday troopers from the McHenry barrack of the Maryland State Police on Interstate 68 westbound, near Friendsville Road. Seals was initially stopped for speeding, and was found to be in possession of a glass smoking device. He was charged on a criminal citation with possession of drug paraphernalia. Seals was later released.

Woman Cited After Collision

A 31-year old Inwood, West Virginia woman was cited, after she fell asleep at the wheel of her car and hit a guardrail along Interstate 68. After striking the guardrail, the vehicle driven by Lisa Fleming overturned, blocking all lanes of Interstate 68 Eastbound, near the 60-mile marker. Both she and her 6-year old son were transported by Flintstone Ambulance to the Western Maryland Regional Medical Center for treatment. She was charged with both negligent driving and failure to transport a child in a child safety seat.

Man Charged With Drug Violations

An equipment violation on a car led to the arrest of a Cumberland man. Cumberland City Police stopped the car for not having any front registration. The officer saw a black digital scale, in plain view in the center console of the car, containing marijuana residue. Zakary Ray Harding was subsequently charged with possession of marijuana, possession of Clonazepam, and possession of CDS paraphernalia. He was released on personal recognizance, pending trial in District Court.

Man Charged With Destruction of Property

Eighteen year old Tyrell Aaron Morris has been charged with malicious destruction of property, following a Monday incident at Salem Children's Trust in Frostburg. Morris is accused of damaging multiple items inside of a building, belonging to Salem. He was transported to the McHenry barrack of the Maryland State Police, where he was charged. He was released on a criminal citation.

Downtown Cumberland Businessman Passes Away

Mort Peskin, who along with his wife Sue, owned Peskin's in downtown Cumberland for many years, passed away today. The store opened in 1921, and Mort Peskin took over the day to day operations in 1957. Peskin's at one time, had been regarded as the premier shoe store in the state of Maryland, according to an article, written by Dave Shapiro in the Baltimore Jewish Times in 2012. Funeral arrangements are incomplete at this time.


Two Arrested for Breaking, Entering and Theft

Two Cumberland men have been arrested and are being held on $7500 bond each, following the breaking and entering and theft of a residence at 125 Polk Street in Cumberland. The victim had been out of the area, and when she returned, she found items missing from her residence. Cumberland City Police developed 39-year old Raymond Travis Larson and 45-year old Roy Scott Schimminger as suspects. Larson admitted the two had gone to the residence with a van, and removed items belonging to the victim. Both are charged with 1st, 3rd, and 4th degree breaking and entering and theft of items between $1,000 and $10,000 in value.


Man Faces Theft, Drug Charges

An East Fourth Street man faces theft and drug charges, following an incident late last week. Twenty-one year David Lee Kesler is accused of taking his girlfriend's laptop computer, a phone and her medication, and left the residence. He later returned, at which point, he was arrested. Officers also found a white pill that was identified as being a controlled dangerous substance, along with two smaller baggies, containing suspected crack cocaine. He was charged with theft of less than $1,000 and CDS possession-not marijuana. His bond was set at $3500.


Assault Prompt Lockdown at SCI-Somerset

Several recent staff assaults have forced Pennsylvania correctional officials to lock down the State Correctional Institution at Somerset. There have been two inmate assaults on guards, and the officers required medical attention. While it is not uncommon for prisons to be searched several times a year, the assaults prompted the most recent lockdown. The medium-security facility has more than 2300 inmates and approximately 585 employees.


Dodge Contributes to Mountain Ridge Booster Club

Billy Bender Chrysler-Jeep-Dodge recently hosted a Dodge brand Booster Club Fundraiser at Mountain Ridge High School, during its baseball benefit. A check, in the amount of $3,180 was presented to the school's booster program. Each test drive participant earned the school a $20 contribution from the Dodge brand, with no limit to the automaker's contribution. Since 1993, Dodge has helped raise millions of dollars for schools with test drive programs, such as the Dodge Booster Club Fundraiser.


Tucker County Investigating Meth Lab

There is an ongoing investigation into a meth lab, found in Tucker County, West Virginia. The operation was found on Church Hill Lane, after an anonymous tip was received. Materials usually found in a meth lab, and a small amount of marijuana and other drug paraphernalia were found. No arrests have been made. The Parsons Volunteer Fire Department provided breathing apparatuses and chemical suits during the initial investigation.


Fire Police Volunteer Injured in I-68 Crash

A volunteer for the Washington County Fire Police was injured late last week, when a car, driven by a Martinsburg woman hit his vehicle, as he was standing in front of it, directing traffic from a previous accident. Graham Snow was injured, when a vehicle, driven by Ashley Khodayar traveled through a flare/traffic cone pattern, set up on Interstate 68 westbound, just west of Mountain Road. Both were taken to Meritus Medical Center, and Ms. Khodayar faces numerous charges in connection with the accident, including failure to control speed to avoid a collision, negligent driving, speeding and failure to reduce speed in dangerous highway conditions.